1,114 - Forms of Government

Plutocracy is the rule of the rich. Find out about other forms of government in this episode. Slow dialog: 1:12 Explanations: 3:37 Fast dialog: 17:19 Margaret: Okay, the teacher said that we should set up an ideal form of government for our imaginary country and then work out detailed plans for governance. Tony: I think the simplest is a dictatorship. I’ll make all of the decisions. Margaret: You’re sounding like a fascist. This is supposed to be a partnership, remember? Tony: Okay then, let’s make it a monarchy. I can be king and you can be queen. Margaret: You’ll probably still make all of the decisions as king. Maybe we should consider an oligarchy. Your family and mine can rule equally. Tony: That’s fine with me, but you’re the communist, or at least socialist. Don’t you think an oligarchy would be too elitist? I would think you would prefer a meritocracy of some sort. Margaret: This isn’t about my personal politics. It’s about what’s best for our imaginary nation. How about a simple democracy? Tony: There’s nothing simple about a democracy. How about no government at all? Margaret: You mean anarchy? Tony: Sure, that would be the simplest. Margaret: Why do I get the feeling that you’re making suggestions based on the amount of work this assignment will take, rather than political considerations? Tony: That’s because you’re very perceptive. I have a big weekend planned! Script by Dr. Lucy Tse